https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/comorosComoroshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/comoros/getting-around-and-staying-healthy-in-comorosThere are a few vaccinations and health issues to consider before traveling to Comoros. Once you're there, find out how to get around safely with these tips from our safety expert.2020-04-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/comoros/getting-around-and-staying-healthy-in-comoroshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Public transport safety in Comoros</h2> <p>The island of Grand Comore has no public&nbsp;transport, aside from buses that run between Moroni and various villages in the morning only. Hitchhiking is the most common&nbsp;way to get around. Sometimes locals will expect a small payment from travelers who hitch a ride.</p> <p>The European Commission has banned all Air Service Comores flights, with the exception of one aircraft (type LET 410 UVP, with the registration D6-CAM), from operating within the EU due to ongoing safety concerns. You would be wise where possible to use other available airlines or Air Service Comoros aircraft.</p> <p>There are boats that run from Chindini, on the southern coast of Grand Comore, to Hoani, on the northern coast of Moheli. These boats are small fiberglass fishing in variable condition. They should be taken only on days when the sea is calm, as passengers have been forced to off-load baggage into the sea and rumor has it that some boats have been lost.</p> <p>However, these boats are generally safe to take on calm days. More convenient are large ferries (two or three per week) from Moroni to Foumboni on Moheli. There is also a larger ferry boat that runs from the east coast of Grand Comore to Anjouan. You should always check for safety equipment and heed the advice of locals.</p> <h2>Diseases in Comoros</h2> <p>Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is prevalent in the Comoros. Sleep under a permethrin-treated mosquito net and&nbsp;talk to your doctor about taking&nbsp;anti-malarial medication to see if it's right for you.</p> <p>The East African Indian Ocean islands have seen a rise in the cases of chikungunya, a viral dengue-like ailment, and dengue itself. As with malaria, chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes. Make every effort to use repellents, proper clothing, and barriers that discourage/prevent mosquito bites.</p> <p>Rabies vaccines should be considered for shorter stays for adventure travelers, hikers, backpackers, or rural travelers who are staying more than 24 hours away from a reliable source of vaccine for post-exposure treatment. All bat, carnivore, and other mammal bites or scratches while in Comoros should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought even for those already immunized.</p> <p>There is a high risk of marine hazards (jellyfish, coral, and sea urchins) as well as&nbsp;<a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travelers-diarrhoea-health-tips" target="_blank" title="How to avoid travelers diarrhea">travelers diarrhea</a> throughout the country.</p> <p>Medical facilities are basic and limited on all three islands, and most are private. You should be aware that electricity and water supplies are subject to frequent interruptions, which can affect hospitals and other public services. Medicines and food may not have been safely stored.</p> <p>You should consider the following vaccinations before arriving in Comoros:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Hepatitis B</li> <li>Rabies</li> <li>Malaria</li> <li>As needed, booster&nbsp;shots for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.</li> </ul> <h2>Cyclone season in Comoros</h2> <p>Comoros is in the cyclone belt, and can be affected by cyclones between January and May.</p> <p>The Karthala volcano near Moroni on Grande Comore erupts periodically, most recently in January 2007. Although there are no predictions of an imminent eruption, you should check the situation locally before making plans to visit the island.</p> <h2>Politics and coups in Comoros</h2> <p>Political instability and coups are common on the African island nation of Comoros. <a href="/travel-safety/africa/comoros/coups-in-comoros-the-real-political-deal" target="_blank">Find out how the political violence and instability may affect travelers with these tips</a>.</p>Getty Images/John Seaton Callahan 1848515668 Getty Images The city of Domoni on the east coast of Anjouan Island, Comoroshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/africa/comoros/coups-in-comoros-the-real-political-dealPolitical instability and coups are common on the African island nation of Comoros. This is what you need to know to stay safe.2019-12-11T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/africa/comoros/coups-in-comoros-the-real-political-dealhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Comoros (or Cloud Coup Coup Land, as it is sometimes known) has a history of unstable politics and multiple coups. The country's three major islands, Grade Comore, Anjouan and Moheli (the fourth, Mayotte is actually still a part of France) have experienced almost twenty coups since independence.</p> <p>The political violence and instability has left Comoros desperately poor, and it has few natural resources&nbsp;available to recover its failing economy.</p> <h2>Political situation and crime in Comoros</h2> <p>As a result of its colonial history and the ongoing political debate regarding the separate status of Mayotte, there are regular demonstrations throughout Comoros and a fairly high level of anti-French sentiment. However, the&nbsp;political situation may change &ndash; before you go, check with your Government's travel advice for the latest information on political violence.</p> <p>You should remain vigilant and maintain a low profile while moving around, avoid any crowds or political gatherings as these can quickly turn violent. Monitor local media to keep abreast of local developments during your stay.</p> <p>The three main islands are generally crime-free, but you should take sensible precautions against pick pocketing and mugging. Do not walk around town centres unaccompanied at night. Safeguard your valuables and cash and keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves. Deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable.</p> <p>Violent crime is not common. In Moheli, for example, there is a very low homicide rate. The most commonly reported crime is home break-ins. Most reported crimes are crimes of opportunity due to poverty. Physical harassment and violent crime are very rare. In fact male travelers face more nuisances from pushy prostitutes who frequent almost every nightclub than anything else.</p> <h2>Local laws and customs in Comoros</h2> <p>The islands are strictly Islamic so you should behave in a respectful manner. Women should dress modestly and Westerners should drink alcohol discreetly, especially during Ramadan. Alcohol is readily available in Moroni from Indian and Chinese merchants near Volo Volo. Castle beer from South Africa and cheap boxed wine from France are common. Most merchants will supply black plastic bags so that no one will notice you bought alcohol, except that they only give black bags to customers buying alcohol.</p> <p>Although the Comoros are a rather liberal Muslim country, it is considered disrespectful for women to expose their shoulders, much of their chest, knees, and especially stomach and lower back. Locals will not expect foreign, non-Muslim women to cover their heads. Public affection between men and women is not accepted here. Non-Muslim religious proselytizing is illegal, as is giving Bibles to locals.</p> <p>Individual reactions may vary upon being photographed, but visitors must be advised that taking unauthorised photographs of the locals will, at best, offend an individual and at worst, cause irrational and potentially violent reactions.</p>Getty Images/Thomas Belliard / EyeEm 11189895986 Getty Images A road and buildings surrounded by jungle in Ouziouani, Comoros